Innovative Paper-Based Devices Enhance Malaria Diagnosis in Ghana

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Researchers at The Ohio State University have developed a groundbreaking diagnostic tool that utilizes inexpensive paper strips to detect malaria infections in asymptomatic individuals. This advancement, which outperformed existing testing methods, was demonstrated during a field study in Ghana and could significantly enhance efforts to eliminate malaria, a disease that affected approximately 249 million people globally in 2022, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
The new paper-based diagnostic devices facilitate chemical reactions between a blood sample and specific molecules embedded within their layers. These tests rely on portable mass spectrometry instrumentation to determine the presence of malaria-specific antigens that trigger the immune response. "Typically, samples are analyzed in a lab. Our innovation brings the lab to the field, allowing us to deliver prompt testing in remote areas of Africa," stated Dr. Abraham Badu-Tawiah, lead author of the field study and a professor of chemistry and biochemistry at The Ohio State University. The study was published in the journal Analytical Chemistry in June 2025.
The effectiveness of these devices was validated in a study involving 266 asymptomatic volunteers over five weeks. While traditional microscopy identified only 24 positive cases, and rapid diagnostic tests detected 63 infections, the paper-based devices successfully identified 184 positive cases. The devices demonstrated a sensitivity of 96.5%, far surpassing the 17% sensitivity observed in microscopy and 43% in rapid diagnostic tests. "Microscopy is reliable when patients are ill and in hospital settings, but it fails to detect low-density infections present in asymptomatic cases," Dr. Badu-Tawiah explained.
The potential implications of this breakthrough are profound. Malaria has long been a significant public health challenge, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. The WHO reported that malaria caused approximately 608,000 deaths in 2022. With the introduction of a preventive vaccine for children in Ghana, where malaria prevalence has dropped from 25% in 2011 to 8.6% in 2022, the need for sensitive and accessible diagnostic tools has become increasingly critical. Dr. Badu-Tawiah emphasized, "As vaccine uptake rises, natural immunity declines, necessitating widespread surveillance for potential infections."
The device's design incorporates a 3D automation process for storing antibodies and ions, enhancing its sensitivity. Each device contains chambers that separate blood samples into positive and negative controls and induce chemical reactions. After a washing phase, the devices can be sent without refrigeration, enabling testing in remote locations with limited resources.
The study's co-authors, including researchers from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in Ghana, are now in discussions with the Ghanaian government to implement testing programs utilizing these devices. "Our findings suggest that technology can complement vaccination efforts, and we are now poised to expand this innovation to detect other diseases, such as colorectal cancer and acute pancreatitis," Dr. Badu-Tawiah added.
This transformative approach not only enhances the accuracy of malaria diagnosis but also holds the promise of connecting asymptomatic individuals in remote areas with healthcare resources, ultimately contributing to global disease elimination efforts.
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